ISSN (Online) 2393-8021

ISSN (Print) 2394-1588

International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology (IARJSET)

National Conference on Renewable Energy and Environment (NCREE-2015)
IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad
Vol. 2, Special Issue 1, May 2015

DESIGN PARAMETERS OF 10KW

FLOATING SOLAR POWER PLANT
PARITOSH SHARMA1, BHARAT MUNI2, DEBOJYOTI SEN3
4th Year Students, EN Dept, IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad2
Assistant Professor, EN Dept, IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad3
Abstract: The high energy demand and the constant depletion of the fossil fuels lead us to shift our focus to renewable
energy sources which are not only the future unlimited source of energy, it is also eco-friendly and viable for the
environment. Hydro and Wind though are renewable sources but are area specific. Solar energy on the other hand can
be installed in any place. The major issue with the solar energy is the requirement of land which is scarcely available in
the world and even costly to get. But floating solar plants can be installed in any water bodies which will not only
reduce the cost of the land but will increase the amount of generation with the cooling effect of water. This paper
concentrates upon the design parameters of the floating platform but will also focus upon the effect of panel shade on
the ecosystem.

Keywords: Floating Solar, Design parameters, Floating Platform, ecosystem, renewable

INTRODUCTION
Solar energy is energy produced by sun created through a to the conduction band and become free. These highly
thermonuclear process and this process crates heat and excited, non-thermal electrons diffuse, and some reach a
electromagnetic radiations. These electromagnetic junction where they are accelerated into a different
radiations have the energy that reaches the earth. material by a built-in potential (Galvani potential). This
As solar energy is an indirect source of energy so we need generates an electromotive force, and thus the light energy
two components: one the collector and other the storage is converted into electric energy.
device initially. The collector will collect the radiations
coming from the sun and convert it in the form of An Array of solar panels are used to generate electricity.
electrical energy. One the other hand we require storage The output of solar panel is of DC (Direct current) nature.
unit since the radiations keeps varying throughout the day The output of each solar panel is combined through the
and during night hours there will be no radiations. combiner who has two input ports and two output ports
Now let us discuss the types of collectors. These are of and has connected with the lightening arresters and store
three types- in the storage device. Output of the combiner is attached to
inverter which converts DC into 3-phase AC. The 3 phase
1) flat-plate collectors, AC power is then given to meet the load demand or fed to
2) Focusing collectors, grid.
3) Passive collectors.
Most of the time we use flat- plate panel which is a Now introducing the concept of floating to the above
combination of array of solar previous theory is what we aim to do. With this, the basic
idea is that, we float the solar panels over the water bodies.
cells arranged in a simple plane. The output of these With this not only we can solve the problem of land as we
panels depends upon the size of panel, intensity of have discussed earlier but there are many other
radiations and the cleanness of the panel. environmental benefits that we can accomplish.
Now with the concept of floating solar we are enchasing
the availabilities of water bodies in different regions. Since We all know, that during summers canals face the threat of
with this idea we do not have to utilize a large area, so the drying up due to which irrigation problems arise. With
problem of land for the solar plant can be easily solved. floating solar, around 70% of the evaporation could be
Also, keeping in mind the fact that land acquisition in prevented which would in turn help in the retaining
India is not an easy task, this sort of an idea keep itself sufficient amount of waters in the canals and small river
away from disputes. bodies. Also, algae formation in the water bodies can be
reduced as the amount of sunlight entering into the water
A solar cell or PV cell converts solar energy into electrical would decrease which in turn reduce the photosynthesis
energy by the photo voltaic effect. When the sunlight is process to produce less algae in water. This makes water
incident upon a material surface, the electrons present in less contaminated and helps the aquatic life in sustaining.
the valence band absorb energy and, being excited, jump

Copyright to IARJSET DOI 10.17148/IARJSET 85

 ISSN (Online) 2393-8021
ISSN (Print) 2394-1588

International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology (IARJSET)

National Conference on Renewable Energy and Environment (NCREE-2015)
IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad
Vol. 2, Special Issue 1, May 2015

PUPOSE OF THE PROJECT

PV Generating Stations require disproportionately large
land area compared to other generating modes. In view of
the demand of land in the country in general, setting up
large PV Stations faces the problem of land acquisition in
most part of the country. On the other hand, innumerable
water bodies, large and small, are available throughout the
country. If small Panels of PV Stations can be developed,
which would require a small depth of water for floatation,
they may be put up in ponds wherever needed. The
cumulative generating capacity could be substantial.

CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS

Floating solar is a concept which extends the theory of according to the inverter operation, voltage and current
Solar Power Generation only and through some structural control scheme. Inmost cases due to some advantages in
modifications we aim to obtain higher efficiency of the grid-connected inverters, current control scheme is
plant. So, it’s very important or understands the various applied. Advantages are higher power factor, better
components that will be used in addition to the already transient current suppression; short circuit current is
used panels and mounting structures. The constructional limited to rated AC current. The Grid connected inverter
details of the various components are as follows- range is state of the art equipment with robust control
1) SOLAR PV MODULE- platform, high efficiency, high availability, low
Solar cells are the building blocks of a solar panel. Solar maintenance features built with quality components. Grid
cells are joined together to make one solar panel at peak connected inverter is single / three phase output inverter
power production. Front side of module is covered by system. Solar photovoltaic panels convert solar energy
Tempered &textured clear glass with low iron content into electrical energy as AC power. This AC power is used
resulting in efficient sunlight absorption. Back side is for the load through inverter. The inverter position is
covered by EVA potent sheetto provide maximum considered over the floating platform. The inverters (3-
protection from the severestenvironmental conditions. phase) will be
High torsion and corrosion resistantanodized aluminum designed with innovative, cutting-edge technology.
frame provides structural strength and ease of installation. Optimized efficiency factor, higher availability (by proven
The junction box of module is located back side. In each long life components), the latest control procedure are key
module junction box there are two terminal both –ve & features. Some key features are:
+ve terminal. To minimize the loss in output when shading 1. Light & compact
occurs a Bypass diodes which is connected to out terminal 2. Highest efficiency (97.9%)
of the module. The aluminum frame of Module contains 3. Easy installation
holes in suitable positions for mounting. A photovoltaic 4. Outdoor type (IP65)
module is a packaged interconnected assembly of 5. Maintenance free
photovoltaic cells, which converts sunlight into energy.
The modules are PID protected. 3) MODULE MOUNTING STRUCTURE-
The module mounting structure is designed for holding
2) STRING INVERTER- suitable number of modules in series over rooftop. The
There are various types of inverter which are used in frames and supporting structures are made of galvanized
Photovoltaic systems. Inverters are distinguished steel post, hot dip galvanized material of suitable sections

Copyright to IARJSET DOI 10.17148/IARJSET 86

 ISSN (Online) 2393-8021
ISSN (Print) 2394-1588

International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology (IARJSET)

National Conference on Renewable Energy and Environment (NCREE-2015)
IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad
Vol. 2, Special Issue 1, May 2015

of angle, channel, tubes or any other sections conforming pigmented for protection against U.V. Ray of Sunlight.
to meet the design criteria. All fasteners considered for Mooring system of floating platform is with Wire Rope
fastening modules with this structure are of very good Sling.
quality of stainless steel. The array structure is designed in
such a way that it will occupy minimum space without 6) MOORING ARRANGEMENT
sacrificing the output from SPV panels at the same time. The assembled Platform has to be held in a position
allowing for slight movement due to change in water level
4) CABLE AND CONNECTORS- and wind blowing on it. This can be easily done with
Cables will be extremely robust and resist high mechanical nylon ropes lashed at each corner and tied to bollards on
load and abrasion. High temperature resistance and the bank.
excellent weatherproofing characteristics provide a long
service life to the cables used. The connectors with high 7) ACCESS GANGWAY FROM THE BANK
current capacity and easy mode of assembly are to be used A permanent approach gangway from the bank may be
for the connections of the power plant cables. dispensed with for cost saving and a small boat may be
used for occasional purpose of cleaning the panels and
maintenance. By placing the platform close to the bank,
5) FRP FLOATING PLATFORM no boat will even be required.
A floating platform would characteristically be made of
hollow sections for effective buoyancy to self weight ratio.
The most advantageous is a circular section in this regard. 8) ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS ON THE BANK
An added advantage will be if the material itself is of
lower density. The material will be fabricated to any
desired shape and can be joined together by chemical
bonding. The platform will be practically maintenance free
as there will beno corrosion Another material that may be
looked into is Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GRP).This
material is comparable to steel in strength properties. It is
about 4 times lighter than steel. Pipes made of GRP can be
used in construction of the floating Platform.GRP Pipes
will be manufactured using Isophthalic Polyester Resin.
The GRP Pipes will be fabricated by Filament Winding
Process. All outside surfaces of the pipes will be

DESIGN PARAMETERS

Copyright to IARJSET DOI 10.17148/IARJSET 87

 ISSN (Online) 2393-8021
ISSN (Print) 2394-1588

International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology (IARJSET)

National Conference on Renewable Energy and Environment (NCREE-2015)
IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad
Vol. 2, Special Issue 1, May 2015

Each module will carry four PV Panels having a The modular Platform Panels are about 5.61m by 2.10m in
generating capacity of 1kW. The module will be complete size and weigh only about 140kg each. Therefore, a
with maintenance walkways. Ten such modules will be number of modular Platform Panels can be stacked up on a
required to produce 10kW of power. The modules will be truck for transportation from factory to installation site.
arranged in two rows of five modules each. The inter- The other components to complete the set up will be
connection will be through pins so that slight rotational separately delivered to site.
movements caused by wind or ripples in water surface are A suitable timber slipway will be erected at site for
permitted which will relieve stresses in the Platform launching the modules. A Platform module will be placed
members. on the slipway and the walkways and PV Panel supporting
structures erected there on. A completed module formed
Walkways are placed between two rows of panels and also thus will be launched followed by other modules. The
on surrounding periphery for easy access at all locations. floating modules will connected with each other to form
To match the layout two types of Platform Module will be the total configuration.
required as detailed in drawings.
In view of protection against corrosion, GRP tubes will be CHALLENGES
used in the construction of the platform Panels which will 1) The maximum Wind speed that the plant can bear
always be partly immersed in water. The supporting is up to 210 km/h. This is the reason Cyclonic and
saddles will also be in GRP integrally connected with the Typhoon area covered with special design to prevent any
tubes. The walkway supporting structures will be cold damage.
rolled channels and galvanized for corrosion protection. 2) The water Current could be maximum max speed
The walkway Panels will be of 20mm thick timber planks 2 m/s .
for low self weight and painted for protection. The panel 3) Though the project is initially tested in still water
supporting structures will also be of cold rolled channels but it also has a scope to have height up to 1 meter.
and angles, all galvanized and bolted together. 4) Temperature limits under which the solar panel
Since weight to be carried is small, small thickness cold can operate is between -5°C to50°C.
rolled sections are selected to reduce total load on the 5) Solar panel can bear Snow load of 70DaN/m².
Platforms to the practicable minimum. Beyond this limit its efficiency get affected.

Copyright to IARJSET DOI 10.17148/IARJSET 88

 ISSN (Online) 2393-8021
ISSN (Print) 2394-1588

International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology (IARJSET)

National Conference on Renewable Energy and Environment (NCREE-2015)
IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad
Vol. 2, Special Issue 1, May 2015

6) As solar panel structure is surrounded by the

water and the moisture due to which there occurs
corrosion phenomenon which will affect the strength of
the floating solar structure.

CONCLUSION
(a) Panels are naturally cooled as the air just above the
water bodies has high content of moisture and hence it
automatically solves the issue of heating losses that occur
during its operation.

(b) Reduce evaporation by up to 70%.

(c) Cement structures like boilers and chimneys that are

used in power plants like thermal have no scope in such a
plant. Also electro-mechanical machines like generators
are not required which reduce the amount of steel
structures in the plant. Therefore, such plants are
comparatively more eco-friendly.

(d) It can also improve water quality. As water bodies are

exposed to the sun, photosynthesis promotes growth of
organic matter, including algae.

By shading the water, algae growth is reduced, minimizing

the associated treatment and labor costs.

Moreover the concept of more generation due to cooling

of the panel surface can be experimented in due course as
the investment is nearly 1.2 times the conventional land
solar plants.

REFERENCES
[1] M. Abdolzadeh and M. Ameri, “Improving the effectiveness of a
photovoltaic water pumping system by spraying water over the
front of photovoltaic cells”, Proceedings of ISES World Congress,
(2007).
[2] J. J. Wysocki and P. Rappaport, “Effect of Temperature on
Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion”, The American Institute of
Physics, AIP, (1960).
[3] E. Radziemska, “The effect of temperature on the power drop in
crystalline silicon solar cells”, Renewable Energy, vol. 28, no. 1,
(2003).
[4] C. Hark sun, “A Study on Development of Syntactic Foam(I)”, The
Korean Society of Ocean Engineers, (1992).
[5] H. Haeberlin and J. D. Graf, “Gradual Reduction of PV Generator
Yield due to Pollution”, 2nd World conference on Photovoltaic
Solar Energy Conversion, (1998).
[6] Haman Photovoltaic Power Plant, http://haman-solar.iptime.org/.
[7] K-water, Groundwork research for Commercialization of Floated
Photovoltaic System, (2011).
[8] Y. K. Choi, N. H. Lee and K. J. Kim, “Empirical Research on the
efficiency of Floating PV systems compared with Overland PV
Systems”, CES-CUBE 2013, Guam, USA, (2013) July 19.
[9] S Bergermann,(1997), The solar chimney transferability of results
from Themanzanarus solar chimney plant to large scale plants’,
report, s bergermann and partner, Civil Engineers, Stuttgart ,
Germany
[10] Solar turbine power stations with floating solar chimney of Prof.
Christos D. Papageorgiou School of Electrical & Computer
Engineering N.T.U.A. Electrical Machines Laboratory [2004] and
[2005]
[11] Mr. K.V. Avinash, Software Engineer Infosys Tech. Ltd.
[12] www.math.purdue.edu.com

Copyright to IARJSET DOI 10.17148/IARJSET 89